adminMukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
Japan has committed US$8,6 million to support vulnerable people in Zimbabwe, which is an indication of the success of President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement efforts.
The funds will be channelled through the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The Japanese Embassy confirmed the package in a statement issued yesterday
“The Government of Japan has committed a total of more than US$8,6 million in emergency funding to support vulnerable people who have been most affected by the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe,” read part of the statement.
“The assistance will be channelled through four different international organisations, namely the World Food Programme (WFP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).”
Japan’s commitment comes on the back of the Government’s social safety programmes, which have been extended to 60 000 vulnerable urban families and 310 000 individuals from the informal sector.
The number of people needing aid has increased due to Covid-19 restrictions, as well as droughts experienced in previous years.
Japan said the money will finance five different projects seeking to address the basic needs of the most vulnerable.
“Firstly, US$ 4,5 million in funding will provide emergency food assistance to food insecure households in urban areas, through WFP.
“It will especially focus on women-led households, people with disabilities, and people living with HIV, in order to ensure that they are able to meet their basic food and nutrition needs.
“The funding will cover the urgent food needs of 56 000 people, who will receive monthly electronic vouchers (e-vouchers) for food valued at US$12 per person.”
Through WFP, Japan will provide US$1,25 million to support communities in Mount Darwin and Matobo Districts, with the project expected to assist 11 080 vulnerable people.
About US$1,3 million will go towards improving the delivery of emergency and neonatal care for women at health institutions in Harare and Bulawayo, in a project implemented by UNFPA.
UNICEF will get US$ 1 078 372 for life-saving nutrition, health, HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence and education interventions to vulnerable women and children in 32 districts.
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will receive US$500 427 to improve food security, safe water access and health care for vulnerable communities in Gokwe North and South districts.
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